Álvaro Uribe

Bogotá, Columbia / Washington, USA

Álvaro Uribe served as President of Columbia from 2002 to 2010. During this time, he pursued a policy of securing the country IMF and World Bank loans through liberalisation of the economy, whilst maintaining a focus on social spending.

From 1986-94, Uribe served as a senator of Antioquia before standing as the region’s governor for the 1995-97 term. His rise through domestic politics led to a run as an independent liberal candidate in 2002, securing the presidency with a groundswell of unprecedented popular support.

A distinguished thinker on socioeconomic issues, after stepping down as President he was named Distinguished Scholar in the Practice of Global Leadership at Georgetown University (2010). He was subsequently given an honorary award by the Latin American Student Association of Georgetown (2011), for his leadership and commitment with the Latin American community of the University.

Our Comment

"Uribe is recognised as one of the most popular leaders in Columbia’s recent history. He is an authoritative commentator on the socioeconomic outlook of Columbia and relations between South American nations."